Alexander Isak made Premier League history for Newcastle United as his double helped his side back into the top four with a 3-1 win over struggling Southampton.
The Swedish forward scored twice in the first half, first leveling from the spot following Jan Bednarek's header, before firing past Alex McCarthy to give Eddie Howe's side the lead after half an hour.
That made Isak the first player in Newcastle history to score in five consecutive Premier League away games, with his double proving decisive against Ivan Juric's relegation-threatened home side.
Sandro Tonali added a third after the break after fine interplay with Isak and Anthony Gordon, while Mateus Fernandes saw a late goal ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
However, it could have been a different outcome had VAR not recommended an on-field review after Joe Aribo brought down Isak in the first half, with a penalty awarded after a lengthy check from Samuel Barrott.
The win moved Newcastle back up to fourth, one point and a place ahead of Chelsea, before they visit Manchester City later on Saturday, while Southampton remain 10 points adrift of safety at the bottom.
THREE POINTS ON THE SOUTH COAST! pic.twitter.com/dDCHKTqsWy
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 25, 2025
Data Debrief: Icy Isak shines again
Isak's away heroics proved the difference again as he took his tally against promoted sides in the Premier League to fifteen goals in just thirteen such games.
His fine goals from St. James' Park have helped Newcastle to four successive Premier League victories, their best run since a four-match run between September and October 1996.
However, this victory was expected as Newcastle have now lost just one of their last 24 Premier League games against promoted sides (W15 D8) and have won the last six such encounters.
In contrast, Southampton are in desperate need of improvements after suffering a sixth straight defeat at home for the first time in the competition's history.
Comments